They are
determined to keep them in this condition; and Massachusetts is one of
the confederated overseers to prevent their escape. Such are not all
the inhabitants of Massachusetts, but such are they who rule and are
obeyed here. It was Massachusetts, as well as Virginia, that put
down this insurrection at Harper's Ferry. She sent the marines
there, and she will have to pay the penalty of her sin.
Suppose that there is a society in this State that out of its own
purse and magnanimity saves all the fugitive slaves that run to us,
and protects our colored fellow-citizens, and leaves the other work to
the government, so called. Is not that government fast losing its
occupation, and becoming contemptible to mankind? If private men are
obliged to perform the offices of government, to protect the weak
and dispense justice, then the government becomes only a hired man, or
clerk, to perform menial or indifferent services. Of course, that is
but the shadow of a government whose existence necessitates a Vigilant
Committee. What should we think of the Oriental Cadi even, behind whom
worked in secret a Vigilant Committee? But such is the character of
our Northern States generally; each has its Vigilant Committee.
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